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Biomedical subjects

K M Fock

Publications and source records attributed to K M Fock.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in the evaluation of suspected lung cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer is still not fully explored. This prospective study aimed to define the effectiveness of EUS-FNA as an adjunct to computer tomography (CT) and bronchoscopy in the evaluation of suspected lung cancer in routine clinical practice. METHODS: Over a period of 20 weeks, the data of 16 consecutive patients suspected of lung cancer on account of respiratory symptoms, and/or the findings of either a mass or mediastinal lymph nodes on helical CT, who were referred for evaluation by EUS, were prospectively collected. Fourteen of these patients underwent sequential bronchoscopy followed by EUS-FNA in the same setting. RESULTS: Bronchoscopy was performed in 15 patients, while EUS was performed in all 16 patients. Bronchoscopy diagnosed 9 cases of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but was falsely negative in 3 cases of malignancies, which were all established by EUS-FNA of mediastinal lymph nodes (2 cases of NSCLC and 1 case of esophageal squamous cell cancer). EUS-FNA also diagnosed advanced NSCLC in another patient who did not undergo bronchoscopy, such that eventually 13 patients were diagnosed to have malignancies. Distant metastases were diagnosed by EUS-FNA in 4 cases of NSCLC (2 cases of left adrenal gland and 2 cases of pancreatic metastases). Two patients were diagnosed to have sarcoidosis and 1 patient was diagnosed to have pneumoconiosis eventually. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA is useful as an adjunct to CT and bronchoscopy in the evaluation of suspected lung cancer.

Aged↗

Management consensus of inflammatory bowel disease for the Asia-Pacific region.

At the present there are no large-scale epidemiologic data on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the Asia-Pacific region, but several studies have shown an increased incidence and prevalence of IBD in this region. Compared to the West, there appears to exist a time lag phenomenon. With regard to the two main forms of IBD, ulcerative colitis (UC) is more prevalent than Crohn's disease (CD). In addition to geographic differences, ethnic differences have been observed in the multiracial Asian countries. Moreover, the genetic backgrounds are different in the Asian compared to Western patients. For instance, NOD2/CARD15 variants have not been found in Asian CD patients. In general, the clinical course of IBD seems to be less severe in the Asia-Pacific region than in Western countries. Diagnosis of IBD in this region poses special problems. The lack of a gold standard for the diagnosis of IBD, and the existence of a variety of infectious enterocolitis with similar manifestations to those of IBD make the differential diagnosis particularly difficult. So far, Western diagnostic criteria have been introduced for the diagnosis of IBD. A stepwise approach to exclude non-IBD enterocolitis also must be introduced, and a definite diagnosis must include typical histological features. In some patients, follow up and therapeutic trials might be necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of IBD will allow the development of better diagnostic markers. The management of IBD also poses some special problems in the Asia-Pacific Region. There is often a delay in using proper medications for IBD, and alternative local remedies are still widely used. With a combination of Western guidelines and regional experiences, similar principles can be used for induction and maintenance of remission. A stepwise selection of medications is advocated depending on the extent, activity and severity of the disease. Comprehensive and individualized approaches are suggested for different IBD patients. Deeper understanding of disease pathogenesis and the unique characteristics of IBD in the Asia-Pacific region, combined with reasonable and practical guidelines for drug management and the future use of biological agents would improve the therapeutic outlook of IBD in this region.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Rabeprazole vs esomeprazole in non-erosive gastro-esophageal reflux disease: a randomized, double-blind study in urban Asia.

AIM: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is becoming increasingly common in Asia. Data on the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in patients with non-erosive GERD (NERD) in Asia is lacking. This double-blind study compared the efficacy and safety of rabeprazole with esomeprazole in relief of symptoms in patients with NERD. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-four patients with reflux symptoms of NERD and normal endoscopy were randomized to receive rabeprazole 10 mg or esomeprazole 20 mg once daily for 4 wk. Symptoms were recorded in a diary and changes in severity of symptoms noted. RESULTS: At 4 wk of treatment, rabeprazole 10 mg and esomeprazole 20 mg were comparable with regards to the primary endpoint of time to achieve 24-h symptom-free interval for heartburn 8.5 d vs 9 d and regurgitation 6 d vs 7.5 d. Rabeprazole and esomeprazole were also similarly efficacious in term of patient's global evaluation with 96% of patients on rabeprazole and 87.9% of patients on esomeprazole, reporting that symptoms improved (P = NS). Satisfactory relief of day- and night-time symptoms was achieved in 98% of patients receiving rabeprazole and 81.4% of patients receiving esomeprazole. Adverse events were comparable in both groups (P = NS). CONCLUSION: Rabeprazole 10 mg has a similar efficacy and safety profile in Asians with NERD as esomeprazole 20 mg. Further study is necessary to investigate whether the small differences between the two drugs seen in this study are related to the improved pharmacodynamic properties of rabeprazole. Both drugs were well tolerated.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

Validation of 13C-urea breathtest for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Singapore population.

INTRODUCTION: Several tests are available for determining the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. These may be invasive or non-invasive. The carbon urea breath test (C-UBT) is generally considered to be a simple, non-invasive and accurate test for the detection of H. pylori infection both before and after treatment. Commercially available 13C-UBT kits are generally validated in their country of manufacture and the stated accuracy of their tests may not be applicable to our local population. AIM: The aim of our study was to determine the accuracy of a commercial 13C-urea breath test kit, Hp-Plus (Utandningstester i Sverige AB, Sweden), in the Singapore population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred patients for oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) were recruited into this prospective study. Gastric biopsies were obtained for the biopsy urease test and histological examination. Blood samples were obtained for H. pylori serology. Breath samples were then obtained at baseline and after consumption of 100 mg of labelled 13C-urea. The presence of H. pylori infection was defined by a positive result on any two of the three tests (biopsy urease test, histology, serology) performed for the detection of H. pylori. Using this "gold standard", the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the 13C-UBT were calculated. RESULTS: In the Singapore population, the 13C-UBT (Hp plus) has a sensitivity and specificity of 94.2% and 100% respectively for the detection of H. pylori infection. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the 13C-UBT is 100% and 88.6% respectively. CONCLUSION: The 13C-UBT is a simple, safe, and accurate non-invasive test for the detection of H. pylori infection, making it a valuable tool in local clinical practice.

Adult↗

Autoimmune hepatitis in Singapore: a rare syndrome affecting middle-aged women.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis in Singapore is unknown. Over a period of 7 years, 24 cases were diagnosed in a district general hospital in Singapore (Toa Payoh Hospital) by using the scoring system proposed by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group in 1993. The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis in Singapore, and to investigate the characteristics and prognosis in the mainly Chinese population. METHODS: The case records of all 24 patients were reviewed, and the following parameters were recorded: age at presentation, sex, symptoms and signs at presentation, past exposure to hepatotoxic drugs, alcohol intake, blood transfusion laboratory and histological tests used to determine autoimmune hepatitis, response to treatment, complications, and survival. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 57 years old. There was a female-male ratio of 11:1. Forty-two percent of the patients were cirrhotic at presentation. The prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis was four per 100 000, with no significant difference between Chinese, Malay and Indian patients (Odds ratio of 0.38 by the chi-squared test). Eighty-nine percent of the patients responded to treatment with the induction of prednisolone, but the relapse rate was 61%. Treatment failure occurred in one patient. The mortality rate during the 7 years of follow up was 21%, and all were caused by complications of cirrhosis. The survival at 5 years was 71%, with a standard error of 0.13. CONCLUSION: Autoimmune hepatitis in Singapore is mainly a disease in older women. The response to steroid treatment is good, with a 5-year survival rate of 71%.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Hepatocellular carcinoma: an Asian perspective.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequently occurring malignancies in Asia. The incidence exceeds 30 cases/100,000/year in the east Asian region. Worldwide, it accounts for almost 1 million deaths/year. The high incidence in Asia is due to the high prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis, mainly chronic hepatitis B. With the introduction of universal vaccination for hepatitis B in some Asian countries in the mid 1980s, some of these countries are experiencing a decline in the incidence of HCC. This probably underscores the point that HCC caused by hepatitis B is a malignancy preventable by vaccine. Due to the relative paucity of symptoms in the early stages and the rapid doubling time of the tumor, most HCCs are discovered late in advanced stages at presentation. Most Asian countries have adopted a screening program for patients at risk. Earlier and smaller HCCs are detected through such programs but these programs have yet to demonstrate improved patient survival. Physicians managing patients with HCC are faced with two main challenges, the malignancy itself and the underlying liver disease. The extent of the tumor and the existing liver function limits the therapeutic choices available. Hepatic resection remains the treatment of choice. However, the majority of patients present with nonresectable tumors. Transarterial chemoembolization, percutaneous ethanol injection and radiofrequency ablation are the other treatment modalities. In patients with small tumors (<5 cm) and poor liver function, liver transplant offers a viable treatment alternative. In summary, the risk factor for HCC in Asia is predominantly chronic hepatitis B. Universal vaccination against hepatitis B is likely to reduce the incidence. The prognosis and outcome of treatment remains poor with a 5-year survival of 35% for patients treated surgically and less than 10% for nonresectable tumors. Current management is aimed at earlier detection and more effective treatment of early HCC. In future, the challenge will be managing HCC in the premalignant stage.

Adolescent↗

Psychiatric illness, personality traits and the irritable bowel syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. Although its aetiology is still unknown, visceral hypersensitivity, disorders of motility and psychosocial factors have been proposed as possible factors that affect the "gut-brain" function. The objective of this study was to determine if psychiatric disorders exist in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 10-month period, 43 outpatients, after exclusion of organic bowel pathology and meeting Manning's criteria for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, were assessed using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. In addition, a psychiatric interview was conducted by two psychiatrists. Twenty patients with organic bowel disorders, who were age matched, were selected as patient control. RESULTS: Psychiatric diagnoses (62.5%) were present in significantly more female patients with irritable bowel syndrome than female patients with organic bowel disorders (16.7%, P < 0.05). On Eysenck Personality testing, female patients with irritable bowel syndrome scored significantly higher on neuroticism (15.25 versus 8.58) and lower on need for social desirability (14.04 versus 17.0) than the organic disease group. Male patients with irritable bowel syndrome were comparable with male patients with organic bowel disorders in terms of presence of minor psychiatric morbidity, psychiatric diagnoses and Eysenck Personality scores. CONCLUSION: There is a difference between male and female patients with irritable bowel syndrome in terms of psychopathology.

Adult↗

The role of spiral computed tomogram in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism.

Acute pulmonary embolism is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential. A number of non-invasive diagnostic tools are available for its detection. However, each one of these tests has its limitations and the invasive pulmonary angiography remains the gold standard. We describe the use of spiral volumetric computerised tomogram in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism in six patients in our centre where ventilation-perfusion scan facility is not available. This safe, simple and non-invasive test has an excellent sensitivity and specificity for the detection of central and segmental pulmonary embolism and may replace the conventional invasive pulmonary angiography for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

Adult↗

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Helicobacter pylori and bleeding gastric ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection and NSAID usage are considered to be independent risk factors for gastric ulcer (GU). Whether they interact to influence the risk of bleeding in GU is unclear. AIM: To determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and NSAID ingestion in a group of patients with GU and determine their roles in bleeding and non-bleeding GU. METHODS AND RESULTS: From January 1993 to June 1996, a total of 217 GU patients (150 male, 67 female, median age 61 years, range 26-94) were eligible for the study. Eighty-five per cent were H. pylori-positive and 15% were H. pylori-negative. NSAID usage within 4 weeks prior to endoscopy was present in 30%, more in the H. pylori-negative than H. pylori-positive patients (59% vs. 25% P = 0.0002). Aspirin was most commonly used (43%). One hundred patients bled from GU (69 male, 31 female, mean age 67 years, range 26-94) and 117 did not (81 male, 36 female, mean age 57 years, range 28-86). Univariate logistic regression showed that advanced age (>/= 65 years) and NSAID usage carried an increased risk of bleeding GU (odds ratio 3.4 and 6.8, respectively) while H. pylori infection alone was not associated with additional risk (OR = 0.8). However, when three variables were considered jointly in a multiple logistic regression, the OR associated with H. pylori infection increased to 2.4, suggesting that in the presence of NSAIDs and advanced age, H. pylori also increases the risk of bleeding GU, indicating an interaction between the variables. CONCLUSION: NSAID usage and advanced age are risk factors for bleeding GU, whereas H. pylori infection by itself is not. In the presence of NSAIDs and advanced age, an increased risk of bleeding GU with H. pylori is observed, indicating the possibility of an interaction between these factors.

Adult↗

Comparison of lansoprazole-based triple and dual therapy for treatment of Helicobacter pylori-related duodenal ulcer: an Asian multicentre double-blind randomized placebo controlled study.

BACKGROUND: [corrected] In Asian countries with limited resources, clarithromycin-based triple therapy may not be readily available. There are also few direct comparisons of different regimens in Asia. AIM: To compare two lansoprazole-based non-clarithromycin triple therapies and one dual therapy in a prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study of Helicobacter pylori eradication and duodenal ulcer healing. METHODS: Fourteen centres in Asia participated in this study. Patients with acute duodenal ulcer who were H. pylori-positive were recruited. They were randomized to receive: (a) lansoprazole 30 mg b.d., amoxycillin 1 g b.d. and metronidazole 500 mg b.d. for 2 weeks (LAM-2 W), or (b) LAM for 1 week and placebo (LAM-1 W), or (c) lansoprazole 30 mg b.d., amoxycillin 1 g b.d. and placebo for 2 weeks (LA-2 W). Upper endoscopy was repeated at week 6 to check for duodenal ulcer healing. Symptoms and side-effects were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 228 patients were recruited, and two patients took less than 50% of the drugs. H. pylori eradication rates (intention-to-treat) were 68 out of 82 (83%) with LAM-2 W, 55 out of 71 (78%) with LAM-1 W and 43 out of 75 (57%) with LA-2 W. There were significant differences (P=0. 001) in eradication rates when comparing either LAM-2 W or LAM-1 W with LA-2 W. The eradication rate in patients with metronidazole resistant H. pylori strains were significantly lower than those with metronidazole sensitive strains (P=0.0001). The duodenal ulcer healing rates at week 6 were 85%, 85% and 72% in LAM-2 W, LAM-1 W and LA-2 W, respectively (P=0.065). Side-effects occurred in 13%, 11% and 9% in LAM-2 W, LAM-1 W and LA-2 W, respectively. H. pylori eradication and initial ulcer size were factors affecting duodenal ulcer healing. CONCLUSIONS: This Asian multicentre study showed that 1-week lansoprazole-based triple therapy without clarithromycin has similar efficacy in H. pylori eradication and ulcer healing compared with a 2-week regimen. Both triple therapies were significantly better than dual therapy in H. pylori eradication. Therefore, 1-week lansoprazole-based triple therapy is as safe and effective as 2-week therapy in eradication of H. pylori infection and healing of duodenal ulcer in these Asian centres.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

Triple therapy in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulcer disease: results of a multicentre study in South-East Asia. South-East Asia Multicenter Study Group.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of proton pump inhibitor based triple therapy in patients from South-East Asia, where metronidazole resistance is reportedly high, has not been formally assessed in randomized, multicentre trials. AIM: To compare the eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori, ulcer healing rates and side-effects of three regimens of omeprazole triple therapy in patients with duodenal ulcer from South-East Asia and to study the impact of metronidazole resistance. METHODS: A single blind, randomized parallel group, comparative multicentre study. A total of 246 patients from 15 centres in four South-East Asian countries were randomized to receive OAC (omeprazole 20 mg b.d., amoxycillin 1 g b. d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d.), OAM (omeprazole 20 mg b.d., amoxycillin 1 g b.d., metronidazole 400 mg b.d.) or OMC (omeprazole 20 mg b.d., metronidazole 400 mg b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d.) for 7 days. After triple therapy, the patients were further randomized to receive either omeprazole or placebo for 7 days. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. Biopsies for culture and for histopathological examination for H. pylori were taken from corpus and antrum before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: The eradication rates were intention-to-treat/per protocol (95% CI): OAC 87% (79-94%)/94% (89-100%); OAM 80% (70-89%)/91% (83-98%); OMC 85% (77-93%)/94% (88-100%). The difference in eradication rates between the three groups was not statistically significant (P=0.419). Pre-treatment metronidazole resistance, was found in 34% of isolates and was a significant prognostic factor in patients receiving OAM (odds ratio 5.26) but not in patients receiving OAC or OMC. CONCLUSIONS: All three treatment regimens were safe, well tolerated and highly effective for eradication of H. pylori and ulcer healing. Pre-treatment metronidazole resistance reduced the efficacy of OAM but did not affect the efficacy of OMC.

Adolescent↗

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Asia.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs more frequently in Europe and North America than in Asia but its prevalence is now increasing in many Asian countries. Many reasons have been given for the lower prevalence of GORD in Asia. Low dietary fat and genetically determined factors, such as body mass index and maximal acid output, may be important. Other dietary factors appear to be less relevant. Increased intake of carbonated drinks or aggravating medicines may influence the increasing rates of GORD in some Asian countries but no strong evidence links other factors, such as the age of the population, smoking or alcohol consumption, to GORD. The management of GORD in Asia is similar to that in Europe and North America but the lower incidence of severe oesophagitis in Asia may alter the approach slightly. Also, because Asians tend to develop stomach cancer at an earlier age, endoscopy is used routinely at an earlier stage of investigation. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is essentially a motility disorder, so short-term management of the disease can usually be achieved using prokinetic agents (or histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists). More severe and recurrent GORD may require proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or a combination of prokinetic agents and PPI. The choice of long-term treatment may be influenced by the relative costs of prokinetic agents and PPI.

Asia↗

Metronidazole-resistant Helicobacter pylori in an urban Asian population.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori eradication is the mainstay in the treatment of H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease. Metronidazole is an important component in most eradication regimens. However, the presence of metronidazole-resistant H. pylori adversely affects the efficacy of such regimens. We aimed to study the prevalence of metronidazole resistance in our population, and the factors associated with its presence. METHODS AND RESULTS: From September 1993 to September 1996, 459 H. pylori isolates were collected and analysed. The overall resistance rate was 62.7%. The rate was significantly higher among women compared with men (P < 0.05). When the results were analysed according to each year, there was a significant increase in the resistance rate from 50.5% in the first year to 72.7% in the third year (P = 0.0039). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant rise in the prevalence of metronidazole resistance over a 3-year period. The presence of metronidazole resistance adversely affects the eradication rates of nitroimidazole-based regimens. Hence, in a population with a high prevalence of metronidazole resistance, the use of non-nitroimidazole-based therapy may be more efficacious. This information on resistance rates is important for the empirical choice of antibiotic against H. pylori in a population.

Adolescent↗

The value of MRI in the diagnosis and management of neurocysticercosis.

The clinical manifestation of neurocysticercosis is quite protean and variable making it the 'great imitator' of almost any neurological disorder. In the last decade, developments in diagnostic imaging and effective anticysticercus drug therapy have changed the outlook of the disease. Two cases investigated with CT scan and MRI are reported here. One case was treated effectively with antihelminthic therapy. In both cases MRI was found to be much more sensitive than CT scan in picking up the multiple cystic lesions. In addition, 'protoscoleces' and 'differential ring enhancements' not apparent in CT scan were well shown in MRI hence enabling the demonstration of different activity stages. In the treated patient, repeat MRI showed degeneration of the cyst. These illustrate that MRI is superior to CT scan in both the diagnosis and management of the illness.

Adult↗

Recurrence of Helicobacter pylori infection and duodenal ulcer relapse, following successful eradication in an urban east Asian population.

We aimed to determine the rate of Helicobacter pylori (HP) recurrence and duodenal ulcer relapse in patients of a hospital in Singapore over a period of at least one year from the time of eradication. Ninety-six consecutive duodenal ulcer patients with biopsy-proven HP eradication and healed ulcer were seen at 3-month intervals, and follow-up endoscopy was performed when dyspepsia recurred, at the end of one year after eradication, or at the time of recall if the patient had been lost to follow-up. HP status was determined by antral and corpus biopsies and by antral cultures. Sixty-five had been given triple therapy, and 31 received dual therapy with omeprazole + amoxycillin or clarythromycin. Median time to follow-up endoscopy was 12 months. Six patients (6.25%) were positive for HP infection after eradication. Recurrence of HP infection was detected at 9 and 10 months after confirmation of HP eradication in two patients, and at between 13 and 20 months in the remaining four. Two of these had recurrent duodenal ulcer; all but one had erosive duodenitis. Two other patients had recurrent duodenal ulcer despite absence of HP reinfection; they admitted to taking low-dose aspirin. It was concluded that the recurrence of HP infection is low at the end of one year after successful eradication therapy in this urban East Asian population. Ulcer relapse occurred in 4.17% (4/96) of patients, and was associated with recurrent HP infection or NSAID exposure.

Adolescent↗

A randomised trial of amoxycillin versus clarithromycin in combination with omeprazole for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in Singapore.

Dual therapy has been reported to produce H.pylori eradication rate of 75-80%. This study is designed to determine the efficacy of omeprazole 20 mg bd in combination with amoxycillin 500 mg tid (Group A), amoxycillin 750 mg tds (Group B) and clarithromycin 500 mg tid (Group C) in Singapore. One hundred and forty-eight patients with H. pylori positive duodenal ulcers between ages of 22 and 69 were enrolled from two centres. There were 48 patients in Group A, 50 patients in Group B and 50 patients in Group C. The medication was given for 14 days. The patients were re-evaluated with an upper GI endoscope 4 weeks after cessation of treatment Successful eradication was defined as H.pylori negative on histology and culture. Based on intention to treat analysis, the eradication rate was 47.8% in Group A, 68% in Group B and 66% in Group C. The difference between GroupA and B were statistically significant (p = 0.04). Based on all patient treated analysis, the eradication rate was 57.5% in Group A, 70.7% in Group B and 75% in Group C. The difference in eradication rates was not statistically significant. Adverse events were reported in 21% of all patients with no difference in the adverse event rate between all groups. The eradication rate achieved with dual therapy in this study was similar to that attained in Western population. Higher dose amoxycillin regime gives a significantly higher eradication than a lower dose amoxycillin.

Adult↗